Vol. 417 No. 1
81 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline, (1) the methods his Department operate to detect areas or firms where present jobs are under threat and (2) the precautionary steps his Department take to aid and protect these jobs on a long term basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department's main functions in relation to the detection of existing jobs under threat rises from the administration of the Protection of Employment Act, 1977. Under the Act, employers employing more than 20 workers and proposing to make collective redundancies must enter into consultations with representatives of the workers involved, at least 30 days in advance, and must also inform me at the same time. The consultations, under the collective bargaining system, must include questions of avoiding or reducing the proposed redundancies and of minimising the consequences. Employers and employees are best placed to consider the options which are available.
My Department advise FÁS in each case so that it is aware of the situation and can offer whatever assistance is possible.
At present I am reviewing the operation of the legislation in the light of practical experience to see if any changes are needed. My Department are also actively participating in discussions at EC level to amend the relevant EC directive on collective redundancies. Any changes in the directive would entail an amendment of the 1977 Act.
